We're here to serve

The Pacific Volunteer Center coordinates service activities on campus and throughout Stockton and San Joaquin County to inspire members of the extended Pacific family to give their time and talent. As part of the Student Life division, the Center strives to make a positive impact on University of the Pacific and the Greater Stockton community. At University of the Pacific, there are many ways to give back to the community. Through the Volunteer Center, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members can participate in ongoing and annual service opportunities, suggest volunteer site locations and lead service projects. The Volunteer Center also maintains an online listing of campus-wide service groups and a volunteer database of community service opportunities. 


Impact, as of Apr. 28, 2025

Get involved

Volunteer database

Service on campus

Student organizations

Transportation: Please speak with your advisor or Jessica Serrano-Sotelo from the Volunteer Center about our discounted transportation, or learn more about sustainable transportation options at Pacific.

Volunteer Center Programming

The Volunteer Center hosts One Bus One Cause Program twice a month and the University of the Pacific Day of Service annually during Week of Welcome in the fall, in addition to other programs and initiatives connected to volunteerism. 

Program Objectives

  1. To create, encourage, and facilitate a variety of volunteer opportunities for students throughout our Stockton community so that students develop a lifetime ethic of service. This objective is accomplished through the development of a spectrum of service opportunities such as single events, projects, and ongoing service opportunities. 
  2. To engage with our local community to support their educational enrichment needs so that students see the responsibility and value of educational opportunities for all. This objective is accomplished through ongoing dialogue with community partners and by sending Pacific students to various community programs.  
  3. To develop the leadership identity and potential of Pacific students through our Volunteer Leader teams. This objective is accomplished through the utilization of a developmental leadership model which focuses on discrete learning outcome competencies connected to the university-wide learning outcomes and participation in additional intentional learning opportunities through our partnerships with community organizations.  

The One Bus One Cause initiative through the Volunteer Center introduces Pacificans to the needs our community faces, and educates them through work with local organizations. They learn and engage in a variety of service projects alongside community-based organizations leading efforts to support those needs. Our aim is for individuals to continue to engage and support local organizations on an ongoing basis.

The Volunteer Center schedules One Bus One Cause initiatives twice a month during the semesters, creating opportunities for all students, staff and faculty on the Stockton Campus to engage in volunteerism with multiple organizations throughout San Joaquin County. We provide transportation for our student volunteers.

This program is typically on Friday afternoons but varies depending on the needs of our partnering organizations. Our volunteers are expected to volunteer two to two-and-and-half hours. 

Pacific Recreation is our team partner during Rec Week in February for a service project like making dog toys to donate to Animal Friends or the Stockton animal shelter. 

Meet the team

The Volunteer Center is part of the Department of Student Life located on the first floor of Calaveras Hall. It is focused on community engagement and volunteerism within our University of the Pacific community and the greater Stockton community.

For all general inquiries, please contact us at VolunteerCenter@pacific.edu.


Professional staff 

Jessica Serrano-Sotelo

Volunteer Specialist

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Josh O'Connor

Josh O'Connor

Assistant Vice President, Student Life

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Mission 
The Volunteer center facilitates student-centered learning by promoting a connection between Pacific students and our Stockton community. This intersection of responsible service leadership and community engagement offers programs and services that spark education, action and service.

Vision
The Volunteer Center provides and models an inclusive community where students find a sense of identity as service leaders in relation to our community. Students will serve to empower one another and work toward a more socially just community. The Volunteer Center will enrich the campus and community by offering engagement opportunities such as service, outreach programs and educational activities.

Purpose
The purpose of the Volunteer Center is to inspire, support and prepare students to successfully address their concerns through service to the community and the society in which they live in.

Heritage
The Volunteer Center is the former Anderson Y Center which was an important part of the University of the Pacific. Thousands of students, staff and board members influenced countless lives within San Joaquin County through various clubs and organizations the AYC sponsored. Most importantly, the AYC was always a place where everyone belonged. In 2004, the AYC programs formally joined University of the Pacific under the Division of Student Life.